Mirko Valdifiori

Cesena

Born in Russi, Ravenna, Valdifiori started his professional career at Italian club Cesena. A former member of the club's youth system, his debut for the Cesena senior side came on 14 May 2005, in a 3–3 away from home draw with Genoa, during the 2004–05 Serie B season. He made one further appearance that season, in the last round. The following season, the 2005–06 season, the youngster made just one appearance, coming off the bench. In order to gain more playing time, he went out on loan to Pavia for the 2006–07 season, where he made 24 Serie C1 appearances that season. The following season he went out on loan once more, this time to Legnano, who were then in Serie C1, and made 17 appearances for the side that season. The 2007–08 Serie B season also saw the relegation of Cesena to the Lega Pro Prima Divisione (formerly the Serie C1).

Empoli

In June 2008, Cesena sold Valdifiori to Serie B team Empoli in a co-ownership deal for €520,000. The defensive midfielder immediately became an important part of the first team at Empoli, playing 32 games during the 2008–09 season, as Empoli achieved a Serie B playoff spot for promotion, but unfortunately lost out to Brescia over two legs. In June 2009 Empoli signed Valdifiori outright for another €800,000. The 2009–10 Serie B season was similarly strong for Valdifiori, who made 36 appearances and even managed his first professional goal - the 2nd in a 2–0 win over his former side Cesena. In the 2010–11 Serie B…

In March 2015, Valdifiori was called up by coach Antonio Conte to the Italy squad for the first time, for a Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria, and a friendly against England. On 31 March 2015 he made his debut in the latter match against England, starting the 1–1 draw at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, and making way for Marco Verratti after 67 minutes.

A creative, right-footed central midfielder with good vision, Valdifiori's preferred role is as a deep-lying playmaker in front of the defence, where he is able to utilise his passing ability to set the tempo of his team's play, and create scoring opportunities for team-mates. Although he is not known for scoring goals, he is an accurate set-piece taker, renowned for his ball delivery from free-kicks. His style of play is inspired by Andrea Pirlo.

Club

As of match played 2 August 2020

International

As of 15 February 2018